I just got an x-pipe and am wondering how long it would take to swap it out from my factory h-pipe. My car has about 130k miles on it, so things might be a little rusty....Also, how hard is it to remove the o2 sensors and put them in the new one?

Thanks

 

with the right tools and a lift 15-20 mins! without them it may best to go to a exhaust shop and pay them 45 dollars and call it a day

 

I've got ramps a jack and a socket set...

 

Also, will I need a special gasket for the passenger side?

 

Might as well get the passenger side gasket since it should be pretty cheap(I think I was able to reuse mine), you will also need a swivel socket attachment to get to one or both of the bolts on the passenger side exhaust manifold, and maybe a 12" extension if I remember correctly. The o2's are easy to remove, but may be easiest to unplug them from their harnesses and pull them out once you get the factory midpipe on the ground. The one on the drivers side nearest the engine was a real bitch to plug back in as I recall (just hard to get my hand in there, think I had to do it from over the hood). Put lots of anti-seize on the o2's and manifold bolts before reinstalling, and of course be sure to do this when your engine is cold. If you're worried about the manifold bolts being a little rusted, it won't hurt to spray them with a little penetrating lube first, but may not be necessary (might as well do it anyway, as a broken bolt creates a real fun problem). I did mine on the garage floor with a friend, took like an hour, including beer and b.s.-ing. Good luck and have fun.

 

Be sure to spray them with a penetrating lube and let it sit for a while. I broke a bolt and it was a HUGE pain to get out. If you spray it it will be easy.

 

It might be worth it picking up a cheap harbor freight o2 sensor socket or wrench to make life easy

 

sounds good, thanks for the tips.

 

ahaha 15-20 min.....that would be pushing it even if the bolts didnt give any problems. but you're in texas lol you are an exception with no rusting problems lol

i did mine and has 35K mi on it....WITH a lift and all air tools and still took a good couple of hours with someone helping me. i like to take my time and not snap any bolts etc.

you...with ramps and sockets....goodluck. I would suggest a shop breaking loose your manifold bolts to avoid snaping them (in which case you need to go there anyways to have them fix it) by yourself it will be a bear to try and support the new midpipe in the back and to snug up the manifold bolts.

also yes, get a passenger gasket. in the end, price out how much to have a shop swap it, only reason i tackle stuff is becasue i have access to A LOT of tools to do the job. a driveway and ramps and sockets, i would weigh the hassel vs cost to have someone do it.

most shops i have gone to will give you a price range, bc they dont know how the manifold bolts will be (hard or easy) so if they are hard, most places are good on their word if it takes an extra hour to do the bolts. Plus they would have heat to help get them out.

 

I did mine by myself with ramps in my yard with just the socket set and swivel socet in a hour or two. The biggest part is the passenger side. Go ahead and get the gasket the some PB Blaster, spray the bolts very good. I put the car on ramps sprayed everything down and left it over night , then sprayed more on b4 breaking the bolts loose. Take ur time and u should b fine.